Destination Hawaii –
Hilo
It’s now absolutely clear Norwegian have a clear and
abundant speciality for cruising in these waters, both on board and ashore.
After two days in Maui, we head straight for the Big Island, with two
successive ports of call to showcase the ‘live’ volcanic heart of the islands.
After Haleakala on Maui, we’re keen to see the world’s most
active crater, that of Kilauea and,
for that, we need the port of Hilo,
which is only some 38 miles away.
After another impressive breakfast at the Lazy J Steakhouse
(one of the highly worthwhile perks of the 52 suites onboard), we are
encouraged by the early-morning cloud giving way to blue skies. Thanks to the
folks at Go Hawaii and their tour
partners Roberts Hawaii, we are lined up
for the big six-hour excursion to all the key points hereabouts.
The organisation is first class and we are off on the dot of
9.30am in the company of driver/narrator Hank, who quickly proves to be an
absolute mine of information and maintains a steady and informative commentary
throughout.
It also proves to be a long day, but immensely worthwhile as
Hank manages to pack a huge amount into the time available.
The extent of the volcanic field here is mind-boggling and
the effect of witnessing all the volcanic activity up close and (almost)
personal is over-powering. In quick succession we visit the main overlook, a
subsidiary crater, the Thurston Lava Tube (an eerie walk-through tunnel that
was once filled with red-hot magma) and a lava field from 1984 that is now a
barren, other-worldly scene (below).
The presentation of the different sites, plus Hank’s
constant narrative, puts everything neatly in place, but it is clear you could
spend several days here and still not see everything.
Coming back down from the 4,000ft high National Park, we
call in at a famous Orchid Farm and
then the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
(complete with samples, snacks and extensive gift shop!), where a good range of
“Christmas presents” are added to our rapidly-growing swag bag.
This evening’s dinner is a special one, as we have been
invited to dine with one of the officers at the Liberty Dining Room (one of the
two main restaurants, along with the Skyline). We are lucky enough to be on the
table with Hotel Director Tony and Computer Systems chief Dave, and the
evening’s fare matches the company, with an excellent Swordfish in a
chimichurri sauce one of the highlights.
The main show at the Hollywood Theater is ‘Oh What A Night,’
a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, with a superb rendition of
their (extensive) greatest hits by the ship’s four male lead singers in a
slick, sharp performance.
But that’s not all the entertainment in store, not by a long
chalk. Our course from Hilo to Kona on the other side of the island takes us
along the south coast and the active lava field from Kilauea that is still
spilling into the sea (and creating more Big Island daily!).
Captain Nesheim completes one pass on the starboard side
then swings around to present the port view, ensuring everyone gets their fill
of this unforgettable experience.
Truly, the Hawaiian islands have visual splendours aplenty,
and today’s many different views are just off-the-charts spectacular. Together
with Norwegian’s obvious expertise in the area, it makes for a powerful cruise
combination.
Next up – more about
our floating home.
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